2. Malaysia Federation of Malaysia -Tunku Abdul Rahman became the first Prime Minister of Malaya. -On Sept. 16, 1963, Malaya, Sabah, Sarawak, and Singapore formed the Federation of Malaysia. -Singapore was kicked out of the Federation on Aug. 1965. -In 1969, anti-government demonstrations by Chinese cause riots and led to the government declaring a state of emergency. -Press freedom was curtailed, political activity was curtailed, and it became illegal to criticize the government.

3. Malaysia Federation of Malaysia -Tun Abdul Razak became the prime minister during this time. -Later on, Dr. Mahatir Mohammad became prime minister. He served for 22 years. -Malaysia has experienced rapid economic progress since then, but many repressive laws are still in place. -The current prime minister is Abdullah Badawi.

4. Malaysia The Petronas Twin Towers

5. Singapore The Lion City -The name “Singapore” is taken from the Malay words Singa and Pura, taken from the Sanskrit words meaning “lion” and “city” -Singapore's main territory is an island, surrounded by several other smaller islands. It is found in the southern tip of the Malayan Peninsula.

6. Singapore The Lion City -The British used it early on as a port and a trading post. -By the 19 th century, the Chinese became the dominant ethnic group in Singapore. -After World War II, Singapore was given autonomy (right to self-rule) by the British. -Singapore became an independent nation in 1965 after being forced to leave the Malaysian Federation. -Lee Kuan Yew became the first prime minister of Singapore.

7. Singapore The Lion City -Despite its lack of natural resources, Singapore managed to become an economic power because of its importance as a seaport, transportation hub, and tourist destination. -In 1990, Goh Chok Tong became the second prime minister of Singapore. -The current prime minister of Singapore is Lee Hsien Loong, the eldest son of Lee Kuan Yew.

8. Indochina -France came to dominate this region in the 19 th century. -It was composed of four protectorates (Tonkin, Annam, Cambodia, and Laos) and one direct French colony (Cochina) -This region later became the countries Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam.

9. Laos -Government: Communist -Capital: Vientiane -President: Lt. Gen. Choummaly Sayasone History: -Laos was a protectorate of France until World War II, when it was occupied by Japan -It gained full independence in 1954. -A civil war ensued between the government and the communist group Pathet Lao (“Lao State”).

10. Laos -The government was overthrown by the communists in 1975. -It is now known as the “Lao People's Democratic Republic”. -It holds the dubious distinction of being the most bombed country in the world (260 milllion bombs were dropped by the US).

11. Cambodia -Government: Constitutional monarchy and representative parliamentary democracy -King: Norodom Sihamoni -Prime minister: Hun Sen History: -Cambodia gained independence in 1953. -The Khmer Rouge, a communist group, gained power in 1975, lead by Pol Pot.

12. Cambodia -Millions of Cambodians died under the Khmer Rouge in what is now as the “Killing Fields”. -They were occupied for a time by Vietnam. -After the UN intervened in 1991, a democratic government was formed.

13. Thailand -Capital: Bangkok -Government: Constitutional monarchy and Parliamentary democracy -King: Bhumibol Adulyadej -Prime Minister: Abhisit Vejjajiva -Former name: Siam -Official name: Ratcha Anachak Thai -National religion: Buddhism

14. Thailand History: -Thailand is the only South East Asian country never to be colonized. -King Mongkut reigned from 1851-1868. He is one of the most revered monarchs of the country. -He embraced Western innovations and initiated the modernization of Siam. -He is best known as the King in the story of “The King and I”.

15. Thailand -During World War II, Thailand “allied” themselves with the Japanese. -After Japan's defeat, Thailand strengthened its ties with the US. -Its government has endured several coups and changes in constitution. It has had 17 constitutions in its history. -In 2006, Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra was ousted in a coup d'etat while he was in New York. Democracy has since been restored.

16. Myanmar -Capital: Yangon (Rangoon) -Government: Military dictatorship History: -Myanmar (Burma) was colonized by the British in the 1800's. -Like other South East Asian countries, it was invaded by Japan in World War II. -It was retaken by the British in 1945, and granted independence in 1948.

17. Myanmar -It was first known as the Union of Burma, with U Nu as its first prime minister (U in Burmese means “mister”). -The military took over the government in a coup in 1962 led by General Ne Win. He ruled for 26 years. -The military government of Burma is one of the most most repressive and abusive regimes in the world. -Trivia: the third secretary general of the UN, U Thant was from Burma. -Burma is acknowledged as the second most corrupt country in the world, tied with Iraq.